Woodwrights Shop Shaker Table: Crafting the Perfect Mortise and Tenon Joints

Now, listen here, young one, I’m gonna tell ya about this ol’ Shaker table I seen in a show on the telly one day. You know, them Shakers, they was a funny bunch—kinda strict-like, but when it come to makin’ furniture, well, they knew their business. They got this table, called the Shaker table, real simple lookin’, but don’t let that fool ya. It’s built strong, just like how we used to do things back in the day. Not a lot of fancy cuts or decorations, just good ol’ sturdy work.

Now, this here table, what I seen on that show, was one of them “Double Drawer Shaker Tables.” It’s a good piece of furniture. Ain’t too big, but it sure got a lot of use. And lemme tell ya, Roy, the feller on the show, he’s a real expert with them tools. He cut them mortise and tenon joints like he been doin’ it his whole life. If you don’t know what them joints are, they’s like the heart of the table. Ain’t no nails, just pure wood fit together tight as can be, so you know it ain’t gonna fall apart easily.

First off, Roy, he’s workin’ on the legs of the table. Them legs, they gotta be strong, y’know, because that’s what holds the whole thing up. He took a piece of wood and started markin’ where he was gonna cut. I’ll tell ya, it looked easy on the telly, but I know from experience, that’s some tricky work. He cuts out the mortise holes in the legs, real neat-like, then he fits the tenon on the other piece of wood, what you call the frame, and fits it into the hole. Ain’t no glue or screws, just wood fitting perfect. That’s the beauty of it—everything’s tight and holds together just by itself.

Roy, he’s real careful with them joints, making sure every piece fits just right. He ain’t rushin’, no sir, he’s takin’ his time. That’s what makes it last. He even used a mallet, like the kind my husband used to use for our own little projects around the house. Don’t nobody make them like they used to. You see, a good shaker table, it’s not about how fast you can put it together, it’s about takin’ your time, using your hands, and making sure every piece fits just right. Ain’t no shortcuts in good work.

Now, don’t think just ’cause it looks simple, that it ain’t worth somethin’. The Shaker folks, they knew how to make things that lasted. This table ain’t got no fancy carvings or intricate designs, but the drawers are smooth as silk. The two drawers at the front, they got plenty of space. Roy, he made sure they slid in and out easy, like butter on a hot biscuit. He didn’t rush none when he was makin’ them either. Every piece of wood, it had a purpose. Nothing was wasted. And that’s what made the Shaker table so special, I reckon.

The whole process of makin’ this table, well, it takes a good bit of patience. Roy, he worked his way through it, step by step, makin’ sure everything was perfect. I think that’s the lesson right there. You can’t rush good work, no sir. Whether you’re makin’ furniture or raisin’ a garden, you gotta take your time and do it right. And that’s the thing about them Shakers—they weren’t in no hurry. They built things to last, things that were made with care. And let me tell ya, that table Roy made, it’s gonna last long after he’s gone. Just like how we used to do things back in the day, when folks cared about what they were makin’.

If you ever get the chance to make yourself one of these here tables, just remember what I’m tellin’ ya. Don’t rush it. Take your time with them joints, make sure every piece of wood fits just right. Ain’t no need to go buyin’ all them fancy tools they show off in them stores these days. With a sharp saw, a good mallet, and some patience, you’ll be set. And when you’re done, you’ll have a fine piece of furniture that’ll last you a lifetime.

So, whether you’re watchin’ a show or sittin’ down to make your own, just remember, it ain’t about bein’ fast, it’s about bein’ good. And that’s what makes a real Shaker table—good work that stands the test of time.

Tags：[Shaker table, woodworking, mortise and tenon, Roy Underhill, double drawer table, DIY furniture, wood crafting, carpentry]